Mountain Madness
Project
In 2009, local philanthropist Neel Thakuri had the idea of starting an orphanage. Mountain Madness encouraged him and helped him renovate a traditional farmhouse in his childhood village, 3 hours outside of Kathmandu. Neel has proven its success, both to the local community and to donors. The children attend a nearby school Neel helped to build. With 2 house mothers and a tutor, the children have made dramatic changes, both academically and socially.
The orphanage has given 13 children (and 2 women) from ages 6 through 18 years old a new start. Children who had insufficient food, no parents or abusive family situations, and little education now form a family, have regular meals, learn responsibility, have good health care, and have regular school attendance and achievement.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Crayons, Erasers, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Pencils, Pens, and Solar Calculators
Reference Materials:
(English) Dictionaries and Age Appropriate Encyclopedias on CD
Flash Cards:
(English) Alphabet, Math, and Word
Wall Charts:
(English) Human Body, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(English) Biology, General Science, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math
Educational Games/Toys:
Puzzles and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys
Art Supplies:
Beads for Bead Work, Buttons, Craft Glue, Craft Scissors, and Magazines
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Badminton Rackets and Shuttlecocks, Frisbees, Jump Ropes, Soccer Balls and Volleyballs
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.